Customer Reviews

Garmin Automotive Mount for nüvi

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I bought this thing thinking I can mount it to the top of my dash. My dash has a slight curve to it, but, it looked like there was a few flat spots where the base could mount. I already new the suction cup wouldn't work on my dash.

Didn't work using the temporary adhessive. The temporary adhessive didn't stick to the dash at all. Before installation, I did wash/dry the dash good, to avoid oils, dust and other containmenants from effecting the adhessive. Playing with the second adhesive disk, it appears I need to mount this thing on a perfectly smooth and flat surface. The permanent adhessive should have better luck because it's stronger and probably can stick with less surface contact between it and the dash, but, by then I found I didn't like mounting the unit on the dash afte all.

Beyond the base, the biggest disappointment with this thing is that the arm that attaches to the base and ends in a ball upon which you mount the Nuvi mounting plate is fixed and doesn't adjust like the suction cup arm that comes with the Nuvi. If it did, I could possibly mount the base in the little shelf below the radio, with the end of the arm sticking out far enough to mount the Nuvi (which actually could work with the suction cup and that hard disk that comes with the Nuvi). Only way to use the arm is mounted on top of a horizonntal surface, like your dash.

Using the arm with the bean bag (this little piece of plastic is REALLY expensive) sort of worked until I had to suddenly swerve one day. Came crashing down --- happened after about a week of driving.

This period was long enough though to convince me that I rather not mount the Nuvi on the dash. Mounting on the dash is great for visibility of the Nuvi screen and for hearing the bluetooth hands free setup. But, the glow of the Nuvi on my windsheild was too distracting.

In the end, I bought a custom dash mount for my car that costs me $60 (Proclip). Works great, and I wasted my money on the Garmin Auto Mount and bean bag.


Last negative: the quick release plate that connects to the suction cup that comes with the Nuvi has a microphone jack on it. The quick release plate that comes with the automotive mount doesn't. That sucks if you were thinking of using the auto mount in a second car.

I bought this so that I can use my Nuvi in my cars and rental cars. Although the matching bean bag holder is pretty heavy, it was very convenient to use in a rental car in Europe and never slid or fell. Note that it must be used with the "bean bag holder" (to be bought separately and quite hard to find). The set up could be improved. The charger must be plugged at the back and the plug is hard to access on the mount. Also, I fear the mount is fragile if trying to remove it when its lock or lock it when its not properly inserted.

The mount works great but why didn't they include it? It is illegal to use a glass mount in some states and if you had an older Garmin that used the dash mount, this allows the nuvi to snap into that mount. Also, using the suction mount is a pain because the cord hangs down and looks bad. If you have a Nuvi, get this mount but complain to Garmin for not including it in the first place.

This mount, or something similar, was included with my Nuvi 350.

The literature with the Nuvi says the adhesive can be very difficult to remove, so I'm giving it 3 stars because of that. I haven't actually used this mount because I didn't want adhesive all over my car's dash.

Want to clarify: If you have a Nuvi, the Nuvi 350 comes with a dashboard mount, so I don't know why you'd need to buy it separately. The Nuvi also comes with the windshield suction mount, both car and AC chargers, and a leather case. Unless you need two, don't order it for the Nuvi.

The only thing you'd need to buy separately, if you want one, is the friction mount. I have the one "for Nuvis" and it works great! It uses the bracket that comes with the Nuvi unit and did not need any additional part.

This is a necessary component in order to use the friction mount. The combined cost can be pricey, but the automotive mount works well with the friction mount. I don't know why it's not sold as a combined kit for less money (--did I just answer my own question?).

The Garmin Nuvi comes with a windshield suction cup mount and not a dash mount. The suction cups (if left mounted in the sun) begin to stick to the window and are then ruined when you peel them off. They leave a black ring on the windshield and lose all suction ability. I have bought and ruined a few suction mounts and will be using dash mounts from now on. You must have a flat section of your dash for effective mounting.

This mount was a definite upgrade from the suction mount that comes with the GPS. It is much more low-profile and you don't have the cord hanging in your way. My only complaint is that I originally used the "temporary" adhesive disk (it comes with a temporary and a permanent) just in case I wanted to remove it in the future. Even though it held well at first, after a few weeks it actually started peeling off the dash - and we're still not into the hot summer months. The good news is that the adhesive came off pretty easily without leaving stains/residue on the dash. I've since switched to the permanent adhesive disk and have had no problems at all.

Given California law that forbids attaching anything to the windshield besides a transponder, this accessory is absolutely essential for me. My only gripe is that Garmin does not indicate on its website that you need both this part as well as the sandbag!

I bought this after reading the user reviews raving that the temporary stickers works great.

Basically, the temporary sticker is useless. It doesn't even stick! Its more like a silly puddy then a adhesive for the car.

However, the permanent sticker worked well... It doesn't look too bad on my car since I have a black dashboard.

This is necessary item if you want to use the Portable Friction Mount. The window mount that comes with the Nuvi doesn't into the friction mount.